Before your headshot photo shoot, you should prepare yourself physically and mentally. Properly organizing everything leading up to your shoot and getting your physical appearance in tip-top shape should take care of the mental aspect of preparing for your shoot, as will getting to know and getting comfortable with your photographer. To prepare yourself physically, follow these principles:
1. Before your photo shoot, carefully look at your face, hairstyle, and eyebrows to see if you need any minor adjustments. No, this doesn’t mean cosmetic surgery—this means possibly plucking your eyebrows or getting your hair trimmed.
2. If you need hair removal, take care of it before the shoot. However, make sure to allow at least 2-3 days between waxing/shaving any sensitive areas and your shoot date. This allows time for irritation to disappear before your shoot, so you don’t have razor burn during your photo shoot.
3. While the photo shoot will focus on your face, you should also look after your nails, just in case they end up in the shot. Be sure your nails are well maintained and neat; if you intend to pose barefoot, be sure your feet and toes are attractive and neat, as well.
4. If you are going to showcase your smile, make sure your teeth are ready for photography. If they are discolored, you should think about having them cleaned and/or whitened.
THREE DAYS BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
Make sure all of the necessary preparations for your shoot have been made. Make sure you know where you are supposed to go for your photo shoot, the fastest and easiest route to get there, and what you need to do in preparation for your photo shoot. It is very important that you know how to get to the location where you are shooting, and any assistants (makeup artists, coaches, etc.) should know these directions, too. Finally, make sure you know what items you are going to bring with you for the photo shoot, and have those items ready to go.
ONE TO TWO DAYS BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
The last couple of days before your photo shoot, make sure you eat healthy and drink plenty of water. You should avoid fatty, greasy, and salty foods prior to shooting, as these foods can cause blemishes on your skin. You should also avoid heavy exposure to the sun, and avoid alcohol or anything else that might cause bloating. Finally, avoid eating or drinking anything that might stain your teeth.
The night before your photo shoot, assemble everything you will need for your shoot. This will keep you from having to rush around just before your photo shoot.
THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT
Before you leave for your shoot, eat a light meal to provide you with fuel for the shoot. Photo shoots are physically and mentally demanding, and skipping your meals before shooting could cause you to run out of energy, lose focus, or become irritable—all things that could impact the quality of your photos.
Bring bottled water, snacks, and anything else you might need to keep going. Just avoid anything that might stain your teeth.